Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

Mallorca looks best from the water. This five-hour catamaran trip pairs two beautiful swim stops with an easygoing barbecue, fresh salads, drinks, and music, making it a strong value at $69 per person. I especially like the generous time for swimming and the friendly crew, though the boat can be busy and the second cove may not match the first.

The route follows the wind, so you may visit Portals Vells, Cala Vella, or a nearby cove. The afternoon sailing can bring a sunset return and a fine view of Palma Cathedral, but sea conditions may change the plan, and the snorkeling is usually better at the first stop than the second.

Key points to know before you book

• Five hours on the south coast: Sail from Palma to Portals Vells, Cala Vella, and a nearby cove, with time for swimming and relaxing.
• Two swim stops are planned: The exact coves depend on wind and sea conditions, and the second stop may be farther offshore.
• A filling barbecue comes with the fare: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with Mallorca wine and sangria at mealtime.
• Drinks are included during the trip: Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion.
• Snorkeling gear requires cash: Bring a €10 deposit for a mask, which is refunded when the equipment is returned.
• The afternoon departure is the sunset choice: The 3:30 PM sailing can offer sunset views on the return to Palma.

Setting out from Palma’s harbor

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat marked Magic Catamarans on the harbor side of the pier.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. This matters because the area can become confusing when several people are waiting in the sun and trying to find the correct line. Parking is limited, so driving is not the easiest part of the day. If you do use a car, check the suggested parking location before leaving your hotel.

You can choose a 10 AM departure or a 3:30 PM departure. Both last five hours, but they have a different feel. The morning trip gives you a full day at sea and brings you back in time for an evening in Palma. The afternoon trip is better if you want softer light, a later meal, and a chance of seeing the sunset on the way home.

As the catamaran leaves the harbor, you get a pleasant introduction to Palma from the sea. Cruise ships, large yachts, and the city waterfront form the first part of the view. On some afternoon sailings, the return route passes near Palma Cathedral, giving you a memorable city photograph from the water.

What the catamaran is like on board

This is a large shared catamaran rather than a private sailing boat. That is good news for comfort and stability, especially if you want room to move around, sit in different places, or travel with children. Several people found that a full boat still felt manageable, with enough space to enjoy the ride.

Still, do not book this expecting a quiet, intimate cruise. Music plays throughout the outing, and the atmosphere can become lively, with dancing during some sailings. The crew works hard to keep the mood cheerful, and their energy is one of the main reasons this feels like more than simple transportation to a swimming cove.

You can expect English and Spanish service. The crew handles the boat, food, drinks, and swim arrangements, so the day has a social, organized feel. One sailing featured Captain Perez, who was praised for his communication and upbeat service. Crew members also help people feel comfortable in the water and provide life vests for adults and children.

The catamaran is described as smooth, spacious, and clean. That makes it suitable for families, solo visitors, couples, and groups of friends. A solo person can easily join the social atmosphere, while a family can spread out and take breaks from the sun.

The first stop, usually the star of the day

The route may take you to Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on wind conditions. These are not just arbitrary anchorages. They are known for clear water, nearby beaches, and the classic south-coast setting people hope to see in Mallorca.

At the first stop, the crew anchors close to an idyllic beach or a clear section of coast. You can jump from the boat and swim around it, or make your way toward shallower water near shore. This is usually the best point for snorkeling because the water may be clearer and fish are easier to spot near the coastline.

Bring your own mask if you have one, or use the equipment provided on board. The snorkeling gear requires a €10 cash deposit, refunded when you return it. The listing says to bring the deposit, and this is one of those small details that can save you a scramble at the boat’s bar.

The swimming time is a major strength of this trip. You are not rushed into a quick photo stop and back aboard. Depending on the day’s schedule, one stop may be around 30 minutes and the other much longer, sometimes about 90 minutes. Some sailings allow roughly two hours at the first anchorage while lunch is prepared.

Water conditions are not identical every day. After heavy rain, the sea may be less clear, even if it remains pleasant for swimming. Wind can also affect the route and the choice of anchorage. The crew may select a safer place rather than follow the advertised route exactly, which is the right trade-off on a boat trip.

The second cove and the limits of the itinerary

After the first swim and the meal, the boat continues to another cove nearby. The plan is for two stops, but the precise timing and location depend on the weather. One sailing had only one swimming stop, so you should treat two stops as the intended arrangement, not an absolute promise.

The second stop can be lovely, but it may not have the same clear, shallow water as the first. Some people found it was a deeper anchorage with less marine life to see. Others simply enjoyed having another chance to jump into the sea, even when the water was not as bright blue.

This difference is worth understanding before you book. If your main goal is serious snorkeling, the first stop is likely to matter most. If you mainly want repeated swims, sun, and a pleasant afternoon at sea, the second stop still does its job.

The schedule may also change because of wind. The boat might visit Portals Vells instead of Cala Vella, or choose a nearby cove. That flexibility protects the comfort and safety of the trip, but it means you should not expect a fixed sightseeing route.

Barbecue lunch with a Mediterranean touch

The meal is prepared on board, often while you are swimming. The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads and cake for dessert. Some sailings also included tuna, bread, and fresh fruit later in the trip.

I would describe the food as plentiful and practical rather than gourmet. Several people found it tasty and satisfying, with enough for second helpings. A few found it only average, so food should not be your sole reason for booking. The real value is having a hot, filling meal included while you are already out on the water.

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the excursion. Coffee and juice are also included. During the meal, you receive Mallorca wine and sangria. Cocktails such as piña coladas and mojitos may be available, but alcoholic drinks outside mealtime cost extra.

The onboard payment rule is simple but important: only cards are accepted at the bar, and American Express is not accepted. The one cash item is the refundable snorkeling deposit. If you need a vegetarian meal, contact Magic Catamarans directly before the trip.

Music, dancing, and the sunset option

The mood depends partly on the people aboard, but the crew sets a friendly tone with Spanish songs and other familiar music. The boat can turn into a small party after lunch, with dancing and plenty of conversation. If you prefer a silent sail with a naturalist explaining the coast, this is not that kind of outing.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being warm, organized, and energetic. Their job is not limited to serving food. They help with swimming arrangements, keep drinks moving, and create a relaxed atmosphere for mixed-age groups. One family with children aged six and seven found the boat smooth and comfortable, with life jackets available for young swimmers.

The afternoon sailing has an extra attraction. Leaving at 3:30 PM gives you a chance to swim in late-day light, eat on board, and watch the coast change color on the way back. Several sailings caught a memorable sunset, and the final approach toward Palma can include a view of the cathedral.

Sunset is not guaranteed, of course. Cloud, wind, and the exact timing all matter. But if you are choosing between the two departure times and like scenic light, the afternoon slot is the more rewarding pick.

Is $69 a good price?

At $69 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the full five hours. The price includes the boat, two planned swim stops, a barbecue buffet, water, soft drinks, coffee, juice, wine, sangria with the meal, and life vests. Snorkeling equipment is also available, apart from the refundable deposit.

Compare that with paying separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, and a visit to a good swimming cove. The bundled price removes much of the day’s small spending and gives you a full half-day on the sea.

The trade-off is group size. A private charter would offer more control and quiet, but it would cost much more. This catamaran works best when you see the shared setting as part of the entertainment. You can move around the boat, talk with people from different countries, and join the music if you want.

The meal is not a restaurant experience, and the route is not guaranteed. Those are fair limits at this price. For a relaxed Palma outing with food and swimming included, the package earns its value.

Who will enjoy this Palma catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to couples who want an easy day at sea, families who need a simple activity with swimming and food, and solo visitors who enjoy a social setting. It also works well for a birthday or holiday celebration because the atmosphere can become festive without requiring you to plan anything beyond showing up.

It is a good match for you if:

• You want plenty of swimming time rather than a short sightseeing cruise.
• You like music, a friendly crew, and a social boat.
• You want lunch and drinks included in one price.
• You are happy to let weather determine the exact route.
• You prefer a large, steady catamaran to a small speedboat.

Think twice if you want a private, quiet sailing, detailed information about coastal landmarks, or guaranteed snorkeling conditions at two outstanding sites. The crew provides basic service in English and Spanish, but the focus is leisure, not a guided coastal lecture. One improvement would be more information about the coves and coastline during the ride.

For families, life vests for adults and children are provided. Parents should still consider the sea conditions and their children’s swimming ability. The boat offers masks with a refundable deposit, but many people bring their own snorkeling gear.

Useful details before departure

Book with enough time to contact the operator if you have multiple reservations and want to sit together. The same advice applies to vegetarian meal requests.

Arrive 30 minutes early, especially in summer. The dock is at the Auditorium de Palma, and parking is very limited. Wear a swimsuit beneath your clothes, bring sun protection, and carry the €10 cash deposit if you want the provided snorkeling equipment.

The route can change with wind and weather. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your schedule is still shifting.

Should you book the Magic Catamarans cruise?

Yes, if you want a cheerful, good-value half-day with real time in the water. The strongest parts are the friendly crew, spacious boat, generous drinks, filling barbecue, and first swim stop, especially when the water is calm and clear.

Book the afternoon departure if sunset and Palma Cathedral views appeal to you. Choose the morning if you want to keep your evening free or prefer a traditional daytime outing. Just remember that this is a shared party-leaning catamaran, not a private yacht or a marine-life expedition.

For $69, the mix is hard to fault: sail the south coast, swim near Mallorca’s coves, eat lunch, and return with the city in view. Go in expecting a flexible route and a lively boat, and you will likely find it one of the easiest ways to add a sea day to a Palma visit.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

It leaves from the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat at the harbor-side pier.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

How long is the excursion?

The catamaran cruise lasts five hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 10 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM.

Which coves does the cruise visit?

The boat may visit Portals Vells or Cala Vella, plus another nearby cove. The route depends on wind and weather conditions.

Are two swimming stops included?

Two swimming stops are planned, but the schedule and route can change with weather conditions. On some sailings, only one stop may be possible.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes barbecue meats, fresh salads, and cake. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the trip. Mallorca wine and sangria are included with the meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks are available with a €10 refundable deposit paid in cash. Life vests for adults and children are also provided.

Can I pay for extra drinks on board?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime are available for purchase at the bar. Only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.